According to medical sources, heart defects are the most common birth defects. In honor of those born with a heart defect and all of the families and friends touched by children with heart defects, the first week of February has been designated as CHD Awareness Week. This is also the time for recognizing those who care for children and adults born with heart defects, as well as researchers and other heart experts.
What is CHD?
CHD is a heart defect which can impact how blood flows in and out of the heart to other parts of the body. As published on the CDC’s website, there are many types of CHDs some of which are listed below. The CDC has marked the most critical forms of CHD with an asterisk.
- Atrial Septal Defect
- Atrioventricular Septal Defect
- Coarctation of the Aorta*
- Double-outlet right ventricle*
- d-Transposition of the great arteries*
- Ebstein anomaly*
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome*
- Interrupted aortic arch*
- Pulmonary atresia*
- Single ventricle*
- Tetralogy of Fallot*
- Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return*
- Tricuspid atresia*
- Truncus Arteriosus*
- Ventricular Septal Defect
What are the Signs and Symptoms for CHD?
Many times there are no signs and symptoms present, however, babies can experience the following in some situations:
- Bluish colored nails or lips
- Difficult or fast breathing
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness while eating
What causes CHD?
According to the CDC, there is no definite cause but it is believed the following things can contribute to the development of CHDs in babies:
- Gene/chromosome related defects
- The environment
- Mother’s diet during pregnancy
- Mother’s health conditions during pregnancy (i.e. diabetes, obesity, etc)
- Mother’s medication use during pregnancy
- Smoking during pregnancy
What Treatment Options are there for CHD?
Depending on the type of CHD a baby is diagnosed with treatment can range anywhere from observation to surgery to heart transplant. Some babies may require multiple procedures throughout their lifetime.
Source: https://www.registrypartners.com/congenital-heart-defect-awareness-week-february-7-14-2019/
